Villa Rica soldier killed in Afghanistan

VILLA RICA, Ga. - A Villa Rica soldier is being remembered on this Labor Day. Channel 2 Action News has confirmed Staff Sgt. Joshua Bowden was killed over the weekend in Afghanistan when his unit was attacked while on patrol.

Dozens of tributes to Bowden have been posted on Facebook.

"Remembering our hero today. Gone but will never be forgotten," friend Katie Wolff wrote on his wall.

"You were far too young. An awesome person. You will be missed terribly," wrote Lindsey Wright.

Bowden was killed Saturday by small-arms fire while on patrol in Ghanzi, Afghanistan.

The Defense Department said Bowden was an explosive-ordnance disposal specialist.

He grew up in the Douglas County part of Villa Rica.

Bowden studied self-defense at Champion Karate. He visited over the summer, talking to current students.

Bowden joined the army in 2005. He was on his second deployment.

The Defense Department said he received the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service medal and several other commendations.

Channel 2's Dave Huddleston tried to contact his parents but has not received a call back.

A neighbor told Huddleston that Bowden had a younger sister who also lives in Douglas County.